kv1361

User Profile

My occupation and primary employer is AT&T where I serve in the capacity of Global Project Manager / Process Engineer. S.T.A.R.S. International is a non-profit youth mentoring organization that I founded 8 years ago.

Scuba diving has changed my life giving me a greater understanding of how fragile the ocean is and how extremely threatened its’ inhabitants are. I quickly realized the ocean needs its own government and strong voice on the globe to sustain its viability to support life. As a weak swimmer it has strengthened my personal confidence in deep water and it has driven me to encourage others to overcome their fears and enjoy it. I have traveled to incredible breathtaking dive locations such as and gained cultural experiences that have influenced my life. I have met many new friends through diving who have broadened my understanding of the sport, life, and the world around me. These are people I will never forget and relationships that will last a lifetime. S.T.A.R.S. International has given me and fellow volunteers a platform to encourage others into the sport to become future guardians of the sea.

Why I started S.T.A.R.S. International was easy after witnessing the changes in physically challenged youth involved in Chicago's Diveheart Foundation. Youth are "our future keepers", and the future Guardians of the Sea! If we cannot educate and empower youth to step up and protect what is in the ocean once we are gone, like all of us, the incredible aquatic life there will perish from the blind atrocities of world’s population.Some teens struggle to find their place in society, reaching out to find individual recognition and make their mark or set a course. Unfortunately this is not always done in a positive fashion, and many youth find recognition on the streets through violence. Through the S.T.A.R.S. Internationalprogram our volunteers reach out to help youth (like myself years ago) who need a role model, a friend, and probably struggle due to having some parental voids.S.T.A.R.S. Internationalasks for nothing in return but loyalty to earn the unique opportunity to become involved. We offer to help youth understand how to perceive education for its true value and understand Commitment = Success. For volunteers I fulfill the role of a catalyst, providing them with an avenue to become part of something bigger than themselves, something that can become as large in their life as they allow it. Together, the volunteers and our participants generate positive ripples in the pond of life that will reach others far beyond our sight